If you've been paying any attention at all to iOS 4 on the iPhone, you know multitasking is a big deal. But multitasking in an iPhone world isn't anything like multithreading or traditional multitasking. In this O'Reilly Breakdown, experienced iOS 4 programmer Mike Morrison explains what multitasking is, and teaches you how to get your own apps multitasking. You'll also build backward compatibility to support the still-huge number of devices that don't support multitasking.

As you build a multitasked app, you'll learn how much (or how little!) time you have to operate in a background mode on an iPhone. Morrison also discusses at length the types of tasks well-suited for multitasking, and the types that just don't fit Apple's paradigm. By the time you're through this Breakdown, you'll be prepared not to just code for iOS 4, but to optimize your app for multitasking.

The experts in the O'Reilly Breakdown live video series not only break down the concepts of difficult and complex subjects, they also demonstrate practical implementation and use. Each episode features an experienced programmer, developer, or software designer working on real-world challenges, ranging from iPad user interface design and multi-tasking on Android phones to caching in cloud-based applications.

In addition to his primary profession as a writer and technical consultant, Michael is the founder of Stalefish Labs (http://www.stalefishlabs.com), an entertainment company specializing in games, toys, and interactive media. When not glued to his computer, skateboarding, playing hockey, or watching movies with his wife, Masheed, Michael enjoys hanging out by his koi pond.